Jean Enersen, first female local news anchor in the U.S., retiring from anchor desk

Photo courtesy KING5



SEATTLE – The first female local news anchor in the country and longest serving lead anchor in Seattle, Jean Enersen, today announced she was retiring from the anchor desk at KING5 television.

Enersen celebrated her 46th year of broadcasting at KING this year.

The Stanford University graduate began her career in television at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, but she joined the channel 5 team in Seattle shortly after in 1968.  Enersen was quickly promoted and took the helm as evening anchor in 1972.

Enersen has interviewed multiple presidents, anchored NBC’s TODAY Show and even been dubbed “Our Walter Cronkite” by the Seattle Weekly.

Enersen has countless Emmy awards for her reporting on local, regional, national and international news.

“Jean is a great journalist and delight on the air.  Her professionalism and longevity is a true testament to her work ethic and dedication.  I wish her the very best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life,” said Q13FOX News anchor Marni Hughes.

Beyond her career in journalism, Enersen has also served on the board of directors for organizations as diverse as the YWCA, Northwest AIDS Walk and the Seattle foundation.

Enersen is married to Dr. Bruce Carter and together they have four children.

Enersen announced her retirement to the news team Wednesday and said her last day as anchor will be this Friday, but she will continue health reporting and special projects at the station.